Want to Fun Way to Get Rid of Your Christmas Tree? Feed it to a Goat at the Philly Goat Project’s Tree Cycling Festival

For the past seven yearsThe Philly Goat Project has been offering a unique option to dispose of Christmas trees. Their method involves a festival highlighted by furry four legged farm animals. Well, if you’ve never heard about it before, then get ready for the annual Philly Goat Project’s Tree Cycling Festival.

This year Philly Goat Project is hosting three Christmas Tree-Cycle events, the first two at their home at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum and the third at Laurel Hill West Cemetery, a great community partner of the non-profit’s where their annual GOAToberFest take place.

Event Details:
● Saturday, January 4, 2025 (Rain date: January 5) – The Farm at Awbury Arboretum
● Saturday, January 11, 2025 (Rain date: January 12) – The Farm at Awbury Arboretum
● Saturday, January 18, 2025 (Rain date: January 19) – Laurel Hill West Cemetery

All three events take place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

These highly anticipated events are family-friendly farm festivals in support of the nonprofit. There is a $20 donation requested per Christmas tree. These donations support Philly Goat Project’s free year- round programming, including community goat walks, children’s literacy events in libraries & schools, environmental education events throughout city parks, youth job training programs, animal-assisted
therapy events, and bereavement programming.

Donated Christmas trees provide delicious snacks for the goats, and what they don’t eat is turned into wood chips for trails in city parks and community gardens thanks to a partnership with the Philadelphia Sanitation Department. Decorations should be removed from trees before donating them.

Guests can enjoy an afternoon packed with activities at this year’s Christmas Tree-Cycle festivals, including:
● Farm Explorations: Discover the magic of the farm.
● Roaring Fire Pit: Warm up with free s’mores and hot cocoa.
● Games: Kids can participate in fun games in the Farm Olympics at Awbury and games for all
ages at both locations
● Goat Petting Zone: Meet and cuddle the goats of Philly Goat Project.

● Quiet Visiting Area: A calm space for guests with special needs.
● Philly Goat Project Swag Tables: Swag will be available, including Philly Goat Project’s 2025 calendar showcasing the goats at Philadelphia landmarks. This year’s calendar features the goats on Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, and on stage at the Kimmel Center alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra. Calendars are $17, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit.

Attendees are welcome to join the festivities even without a tree.
Tree Drop-Off Options for the Awbury Arboretum Events Include:
1. Express Curbside Drop-Off: Quick tree drop at 6336 Ardleigh Street entrance.
2. “G.O.A.T. Safari:” Drive through the farm to drop off your tree. Enter at 6336 Ardleigh Street
entrance.
3. Park and Drag: Park along Washington Lane and bring your tree in yourself!
Donations: Donations can be made via Cash, Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal. Tax receipts are available
upon request.
Rain Date Announcements: Stay updated on rain date changes via Philly Goat Project’s social media
channels.

Event Locations:
● The Farm at Awbury Arboretum on January 4, 2025 and January 11, 2025:
○ Address – 6336 Ardleigh St, Philadelphia, PA 19138
○ Street parking is available near Washington Lane and Ardleigh Street.
○ Public transit is accessible via SEPTA’s Chestnut Hill East Line, Washington Lane stop
(no trees allowed on transit).

● Laurel Hill West Cemetery on January 18, 2025:
○ Address – 215 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
○ Follow signs to the Conservatory.